GREENFIELD — Flag protocol for students at Harris Elementary, home of the Patriots, is paramount. Students are taught to stand in silence whenever the colors pass, make sure their hats are removed and to put their hand over their heart.
Those instructions were even more in evidence on Veterans Day, when the school played host to a special program to honor those who have served.
Third-grader Sydney Lee, was one of several youngsters selected to have a role in the presentation Monday to recognize several veterans on hand in front of parents, teachers and classmates.
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“I have a few cousins who are veterans,” she said, before admitting she was a little nervous to be part of the ceremony.
Sydney held on tight to a cardboard cutout of the letter “H.” On the back of the cutout, the words “H is for Honor you so richly deserve,” was written. That’s so she wouldn’t forget the line she was supposed to present as the students took turns and spelled out a thank-you tribute with each letter having a special meaning.
Kathy Spivey, a third-grade teacher for 42 years at the school, along with Anita Workman, the school’s secretary, worked hard for several weeks to organize the program, which included the posting of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, special music and an introduction of the veterans, their special guests.
“While these kids are young, it’s important to teach them what our veterans have done for them,” Spivey said.
Those were words reiterated by Principal Sarah Greulich, who along Spivey, Workman and other educators in the building were decked out in red, white and blue colors to celebrate Veterans Day. Greulich gave the introductory remarks during the presentation and told the students and the crowd that they can never fully understand the sacrifices the veterans have made throughout the years. It was important, she said, to show gratitude.
“We owe them so very much,” Greulich said.
She also noted before the presentation that the teachers and administration at Harris Elementary enjoy sharing American history with the students so they can get a feel for what the veterans have done for the country and their community.
One of the special guests on hand was Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell, who is a veteran and whose wife, Kristin Fewell, has worked at the school for 43 years teaching first-graders. On his way into the program he stopped to reflect on how he enjoys such presentations.
“I really do enjoy seeing the schools make a big deal out of the day, teaching the children what Veterans Day is all about,” he said.
It was the same for Robert Workman, Anita Workman’s husband, who was one of the four Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard members on hand to present the colors. He said it means a lot to veterans like himself who fought in the Vietnam War when they see the younger generations learn lessons about sacrifices veterans have made to preserve America’s freedoms.
“We always want to teach the children about respecting the flag and what it stands for,” he said.
That’s exactly what third-grader A.J. Strahm wanted to do, he said. He was one of the students who helped read the names of veterans who were in attendance and thanked them for their service.
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